Whenever you feel weary and your feet ache after a hard day’s work, aromatic foot bath will help you to refresh, revitalize and ease the pain. And it not only relaxes, it improves circulation, protects feet from fungal infections, strengthens nails, softens skin and relaxes muscles and tendons.

Hot water aromatic foot baths are known to treat colds and are specially good for conditions of the head like headache, migraine, and facial neuralgia. Aromatic foot baths are also useful in disorders of the abdomen and legs, such as constipation, menstrual problems, and varicose veins.

When taking aromatic foot bath, always keep the water warm. Don’t forget to add few drops of essential oils that are suitable to your need or you may as well apply essential oils directly to your feet. Herbal and essential oil remedies are quickly and effectively absorbed by your feet, but you must mix them first with a carrier oil or pure vegetable oil such as olive, safflower, and sesame.

How to prepare and use aromatic foot bath :

• Fill foot basin or large bowl -large enough to fit your feet comfortably -with warm water (it should cover the ankles)
• Mix 6 to 10 drops of Essential Oils with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil of your choice
• The essential oils blend should be added just before immersing your feet
• Keep a hand towel close by so you can dry your feet after you’re done
• Sit comfortably and soak for 5 – 15 minutes.
• Take slow and deep breaths. Relax.

Here are various aromatic foot bath recipes which may help you to release fatigue, stress and discomfort :

Easing Headache
Mix 4 drops of Lavender essential oil and 2 drops of Peppermint essential oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. The therapeutic properties of Lavender and Peppermint help getting rid of headaches, migraine and nervous tensions.

Athlete’s Foot Problem
Mix 4 drops of Tea tree essential oil, 4 drops of Lavender essential oil and 2 drops of Sandalwood essential oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
Lavender and Tea tree are used for its antifungal and antiseptic properties. While Sandalwood is good to softens and soothes sore and cracked feet.

Soothing Tired Feet
Mix 3 drops of Lavender essential oil, 3 drops of Rosemary essential oil and 4 drops of Lemon essential oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
The beneficial quality of this mixture helps you to revive, refresh and stimulate the blood circulation.

Cooling Burning Feet
Mix 3 drops of Lavender essential oil, 3 drops of Peppermint essential oil and 3 drops of Roman Chamomile essential oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
This blend helps to relieve hot and weary feet. The cooling effect of the peppermint property and the soothing and calming effect of lavender and chamomile will delight and refresh your feet.

Finally, if you can spare the time, you can as well give the bottoms of your feet a good scrub with a pumice stone to remove hard, dead skin, or you may want to wait until your next aromatic foot bath.